In Ezekiel 38, God assigns land to all of the tribes, but His own sanctuary is in the middle on the best of the land. The Israelites are allowed to farm around it, and they are required to give a portion to the Lord. God then assigns each tribe its own area, including the prince.
In all our lives, God prescribes the boundaries, some land for us, some land for others, but always God having the best of us.
It is not my role to pick my place in the world but God’s. The first thing prescribed is the Lord’s part, He is to be at the center and to have the very best of the land, all things should revolve around Him.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV
God brings all works into judgement and until that day who can judge rightly. Fearing God and obedience to Him are the guard rails. If God is not at the center, getting the best of you, this is a sure recipe for stress and anxiety. Why, because we are living outside of God’s prescribed boundaries.
God’s boundaries are within green pastures
If we choose to follow the good shepherd, this means saying no to other paths. This means walking by faith in Jesus rather than what our eyes may see. There is a stillness in faith, a quietness and trust. A lying down appreciating the shepherd’s safety and the green pastures He has provided.
Praise God for those times when He makes me lie down in His presence in the place that He has assigned for me. Only He can lead me into those green pastures, into that place of contentment and rest.
It is a miracle really given the multitude of issues we face in life and how easily unsettled we are.
God’s boundaries require Humility but lead to true contentment
There is no rest when we are busy butting our way into places and things where He has not directed us. Pride butts its way through trying to get more. Humility lies down content with the situation that the shepherd has given, trusting Him to guard all that we have entrusted to Him. There is safety in His boundaries. Pride only exposes us to danger.
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NKJV
Humility is resting in the sufficiency of His word and His person. We can do nothing without Him. The flesh is impulsive, doesn’t really take time to contemplate anything before it rushes headlong into the fray. Senseless to danger and to pitfalls.
“Everyone turned to his own course, As the horse rushes into the battle.” Jeremiah 8:6 NKJV
God’s boundaries mean that God helps us
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26 NKJV
Instead of being impulsive in our reactions to circumstances and situations we should wait on God. By waiting on God’s direction we are seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Rather than putting confidence in ourselves, we put our confidence in God. This leads to true peace as we are now resting in Him.
Rushing ahead without God can cause danger, better to lie down in green pastures and wait upon Him. The direction that God gives will always lead us to the best possible outcome. None of us are superheroes but, we serve an Almighty God. So why try and solve great puzzles, carry heavy weights and push ourselves to the limits all the time when we can cry out to God for help.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
God’s boundaries mean that we are safe and secure with the Good Shepherd.
We have an enemy that seeks to steal, kill and destroy. The aim of this enemy is to bring us outside of the covering of God and away from the good shepherd.
Pride leaves us vulnerable as it prompts us to act in ways that are independent of God. But, we were not created to live independently of Him, we were made to walk in fellowship with Him. God never called us to do life alone, but with His help and in His companionship.
The enemy may lie to you and say that God doesnt care, that He does not want to help. But, this is not true. Our God is kind, compassionate and he is well aware that we are only dust. When challenges come your way, ask God for direction, be mindful of Him. He invites us to enter into rest, He invites us to see Him as our loving Father.
Prayer
God you deserve to be at the centre of my life, at the centre of my decisions and I want to live in the centre of your will. I am sorry for all the times that I have not listened to your voice and where I have gone my own way instead. I hand over to you all the stress and all the disappointment. God I pray that in my life your kingdom will come first and your will be done first. I exchange my burdens for your peace and for your rest and I turn away from the strivings caused by pride. Lord I pray that you would lead me into the safety of your green pastures and to the still waters of refreshment.